Introduction

Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) is a method of manufacturing in which the entire production process is controlled by computer. Typically, it relies on closed-loop control processes, based on real-time input from sensors. It is also known as flexible design and manufacturing.

Three components distinguish CIM from other manufacturing methodologies:

• means for data storage, retrieval, manipulation and presentation;
• mechanisms for sensing state and modifying processes;
• algorithms for uniting the data processing component with the sensor/modification component.

CIM contains CAD - Computer Aided Design, CAM - Computer Aided Manufacturing, CAE - Computer Aided Engineering, CAQ - Computer Aided Quality, CNC - Computer Numerical Control and Rapid Prototyping